An Athlete's Guide to the Immune System

Smooth Smoothies

Here are a couple of powerful smoothies that will help to boost your immune system! (No worries, I left out the oysters!)

Banana Booster

• 1 banana (peel and freeze in Ziploc, acts as your ice and makes it nice and thick!)
• 1 cup of soymilk (add water for added fluid)
• 1/4 cantaloupe, chopped
• 1 cup of strawberries
• 1 tbsp Tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 tbsp. flax oil
• Sprinkle with wheat germ once served in glass

Strong Like Bull Smoothie

• 2 cups Watermelon
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup unsweetened rice milk (add water if required)
• 1/2 cup 100 percent fresh Orange Juice or Pineapple juice
• 1 scoop of organic whey protein
• Ice

More: 4 Delicious Recovery Smoothies

Healthy Habits

Other tips to keep in mind to support a stronger immune system include:

• Reducing stress (try some 10 minute meditation when you feel overwhelmed; no phone, no computer, no distractions and some deep FULL diaphragm breathing)
• Washing your hands often when around others or in public places
• Sleeping 7-9 hours a day. Sleep is KING. Don't underestimate it. (Yes I just gave you permission to sleep in...your spouse can call me to complain.)
• Reducing toxins and anti-nutrients such as trans fats and artificial sweeteners and replacing them with naturally sweet fresh fruit and essential oils or raw nuts and seeds.
• Add REST to your training schedule. Even your super human body needs to recover.

More: How Yoga Can Boost Your Immune System